A -- NIMH CLINICAL TRIAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES SUPPORT

Notice Date

May 10, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Mental Health, Contracts Management Branch, 6001 Executive Blvd, Rm 6107, MSC 9603, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9603

ZIP Code

20892-9603

Solicitation Number

NIMH-01-RFI-01

Response Due

May 18, 2001

Point of Contact

Alex Navas, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 443-2696, Fax (301) 443-0501, Email anavas@mail.nih.gov

E-Mail Address

Alex Navas (anavas@mail.nih.gov)

Description

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE -- NIMH-01-RFI-01 "NIMH Clinical Trial Recruitment Services Support" This Request For Information (RFI)/Sources Sought Notice (SS) is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The purpose of this RFI/SS is to identify potential sources that may be interested in and capable of performing the work described herein. NIMH welcomes comments from all individuals and concerns. The NIMH does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or NIMH's use of such information. Acknowledgment of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of the NIMH's evaluation of the information received. As a result of this RFI/SS, the NIMH may issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). In the event a RFP will be issued, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 is being considered. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against the NIMH shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI/SS or the NIMH's use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement. Responses should be identified with NIMH-01-RFI-01, and are due no later than 3:30 pm local prevailing time on May 18, 2001. Please submit three (3) copies of your response to the attention of: Patricia L. Gibbons, Contracting Officer, Contracts Management Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Blvd., Suite 6107, MSC 9603, Bethesda, MD 20892-9603. Facsimile responses should utilize 301-443-0501, as long as they do not exceed 20 pages in length. E-mail responses, are to be sent to pgibbons@mail.nih.gov. Responses will be reviewed only by NIH personnel and will be held in a confidential manner. Request for Information: The NIMH seeks input and comment on its plans to develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure maximum enrollment of participants into its extramural and intramural clinical trials. To aid in the design of a possible future solicitation, the NIMH asks for comments on the following items: 1. Researching, identifying and analyzing outlets and channels for increasing awareness of and participation in mental health clinical trials and clinical trials specifically at the NIMH; 2. Assisting NIMH in the development of a model communications strategic plan for recruitment, and assisting in the customization of this plan for each trial, as necessary; 3. Developing recruitment messages for clinical trials and evaluating them through focus group testing; 4. Assisting in the announcement of trials through the mass media through the Internet, by mail, and by other sources, such as advocacy or professional group newsletters; 5. Coordinating media activities with multiple clinical trials sites across the nation, if appropriate, establishing and managing toll-free (800) number for potential participants to be in operation for duration of publicity and preparing written evaluation of the impact of media outreach efforts; 6. Testing calls to trial sites to ensure that the phones are being answered, that correct and consistent information is communicated to potential participants, and assessing readiness for increased call volume following media activities; 7. Maintaining liaison with national and regional advocacy and professional groups who will have an interest in the particular trials; 8. Developing fact sheets, information kits, PSAs, newsletter pieces, WEB pages, etc. for participants and family members, professional and advocacy groups, and preparing these materials for print and electronic distribution 9. Developing "how to" kits for clinical trials recruitment activities to be provided to trial sites; 10. Conducting user-testing of recruitment messages and materials and evaluating the effectiveness of recruitment efforts; 11. Organizing and supporting recruitment group meetings and documenting all recruitment activities and efforts, preparing summaries and reports (which may include audiovisual reporting) on these activities and efforts, including data gathered in evaluations and; 12. Organizing and accompanying NIMH to special events and clinical trials meetings. NIMH welcomes responses as well as suggestions for additional areas of consideration from all individuals and organizations on any or all of the above items. Additionally, respondents are specifically requested to address the following: 1. Your ability to work with various clients, contractors/subcontractors, professional and community groups simultaneously; 2. Evidence of your ability and success to appropriately design recruitment strategies and; 3. Evidence your specific expertise and knowledge in implementing recruitment strategies, programs, materials for minority, Spanish-speaking and underserved populations. Responses should be limited to approximately one (1) page per item. Sources Sought: Interested organizations should submit a capability statement of approximately 10 pages that details the ability to perform the aspects of the effort described above. All proprietary information should be marked as such. All respondents are asked to indicate the type and size of your business organization, e.g., Large Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Business, 8(a), Hub-zone, Historically Black College or University/Minority Institution (HBCU/MI), educational institution, profit/non-profit hospital, or other nonprofit organization, in your response. Point of Contact: Patricia L. Gibbons Contracting Officer, NIMH/NIH/ORM Tel. 301-443-2696

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS.woa/wa/SPF?A=R&P=NIMH-01-RFI-01&L=2927)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010514/ASOL016.HTM (D-130 SN50L7S8)